At the “To Life with Water” Festival, hundreds of children experienced the value of water

As part of the “To Life with Water” project implemented jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), QNB Türkiye and Habitat Association, a Water Awareness Festival was held on 17 September at the Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden in Istanbul.
More than 200 children had the opportunity to learn about the water cycle, conservation methods, and the importance of water for nature through hands-on workshops and stage activities throughout the day. 

The festival brought together Meral Mungan Arda, UNDP Türkiye’s Climate Change and Environment Portfolio Manager; Ömür Tan, CEO of QNB Türkiye; Bora Caldu, Executive Board President of Habitat Association; and Yeliz Ataay Arıkök, Chair of the QNB Türkiye Sustainability Committee. Participants joined the children in visiting the workshops and gained practical insights into water conservation, while children engaged in interactive activities such as water filtration, the journey of water, natural bag painting, art from marine waste, and the biodiversity floor game.

Reaching more than 3,600 children across 20 cities in Türkiye

The project aims to raise awareness among children aged 7–14 about the value of water, water conservation, and environmental sustainability. From Afyon to Trabzon, İzmir to Diyarbakır, children learned by doing—exploring rainwater harvesting, water filtration, the water cycle, and methods of conservation at home.

So far, more than 3,600 children across 20 cities have participated through the support of 69 volunteer trainers. The project continues to enrich learning experiences through field trainings, special sessions at Sevgi Evleri, and digital content available at www.suilehayata.com.

“The future of water lies in the hands of conscious generations”

In his opening speech, Ömür Tan, CEO of QNB Türkiye, stated: “As QNB Türkiye, the ‘To Life with Water’ project is one of the concrete steps of our sustainability vision. With today’s festival, our aim is not only to offer children a joyful experience but also to highlight the importance of water awareness at a societal level. We believe that the future of water lies in the hands of conscious generations. Awareness instilled at an early age nurtures curiosity, creativity and a sense of responsibility, while also becoming one of the strongest drivers of our sustainability goals and Net Zero vision. As we continue this project, we remain committed to reaching more children and nurturing generations who respect water for our shared future.”

Bora Caldu, Executive Board President of Habitat Association, and Meral Mungan Arda, Climate Change and Environment Portfolio Manager at UNDP Türkiye, also emphasized in their opening remarks the strategic importance of the project in raising awareness among children.

Bora Caldu, Executive Board President of Habitat Association, underlined the broader impact of the project: “Through the To Life with Water project, we ensure that children grasp the value of water at an early age, taking the strongest step toward a sustainable future. Every habit instilled in children today shapes the society of tomorrow. The thousands of children we have reached will inspire their families and communities. Our goal in the coming period is to expand this awareness beyond children, turning it into a lasting movement that also involves families, schools, and local governments.” 

Meral Mungan Arda, UNDP Türkiye’s Climate Change and Environment Portfolio Manager, highlighted the strategic importance of early awareness: “Water awareness gained at an early age not only shapes individual habits but also strengthens society’s resilience to climate change. Through the To Life with Water project, our aim is to nurture future decision-makers who recognize the value of water and embrace the principles of sustainability. At UNDP, we take great pride in reaching thousands of children across Türkiye in partnership with QNB Türkiye and Habitat Association.” 

The To Life with Water project, jointly implemented by UNDP, QNB Türkiye and Habitat Association, aims to instill the value of water in children across Türkiye, building a strong foundation of societal awareness for a more sustainable future.